Islamic Religion in Iran Emily Worman

The Islamic religion is the youngest monotheistic religion, founded in 7th century by prophet Muhammad.To be considered a true muslim you must follow the five pillars (core values) of the Islamic religion which are fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan, pilgrimage, the zakak, declaration of faith to God and the prophet Muhammad, and formal prayer five times a day.

After the Islamic Revolution in Iran ended with the Shah’s exile in 1979, Iran became an Islam Nation. 89% of the Iranian population are Shia Muslim, 9% are Sunni Muslim, and the other 2% follows another religion such as Christianity or Judism. The Iranian constitution states that Islam is the offical religion. While other religions are recognized as “protected” minorities and should be granted full resect, laws and policies in Iran are based on traditional Islamic value.

‍‍‍‍ After the revolution Marji has to abide by Islamic guidelines, some rules mentioned in Persepolis are she has to wear a hijab in public, must be completely covered except for her face and hands,

no jewelry and western influence (clothes, posters, etc...) is forbidden. When Marji's parents go to Turkey onvacation they pick up posters of Marji's favorite American bands to bring back to Iran as a present, but when they re-enter Iran they must hide the posters so the Islamic government cannot confiscate them for being a symbol of the West. The Islamic religion is also very particular about the clothing women wear out in public. When Marji goes out in a jean jacket and sneakers she is confronted by the Guardians of the

Revolution for wearing "punk shoes," having a Michael Jackson pin on her denim jacket, and being improperly veiled. The Islam regime in Iran is often seen as forceful and oppresive, but the Islamic religion is much more than that. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, and has approximatley 1.3 billion followers worldwide.